State Government commits $6M to Port Campbell Town Centre Project

Published on 01 July 2021

Corangamite Shire Council Mayor Ruth Gstrein has thanked the State Government for its $6m commitment to the Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation project.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas announced the funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund yesterday.

The project will enhance the amenity of the town, improve the visitor experience, encourage longer stays, and better disperse visitors through the town.

Benefits will include improved traffic flow and safety, greater recognition of the environmental and character value of the town, accessible paths and infrastructure, job creation, opportunities for new retail/hospitality businesses, better outdoor public spaces, retention and increase in visitor spend, improved liveability and community pride.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein thanked the Government and said the Port Campbell project had been Council’s top priority for several years.

“Port Campbell has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting downturn in tourism over the past 18 months,” Cr Gstrein said.

“This project will be a way to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the town for when tourism returns.”

Cr Gstrein said the redevelopment would be the biggest project Council had ever undertaken.

“We have been in conversations with Member for Wannon Dan Tehan and are hopeful that Council’s funding application for $5.6M from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund will be successful, allowing for all stages of the project to be completed.”

Coastal Ward Councillor Jamie Vogels thanked the Port Campbell community for its support throughout the process.

“There have been multiple rounds of public consultation during the planning of this redevelopment. People gave a lot of their free time by attending meetings and providing feedback.

“I also want to thank former Councillor Simon Illingworth and the local community for all the work that went into planning stages of this project.

“The design will allow residents to go about their daily lives safely and comfortably while also supporting businesses that cater to domestic and international visitors.

“When the work is done, it will ensure Port Campbell provides a world-class experience and opens up the Shire’s hinterland as a premium tourism destination.”

Proposed works include:

• Streetscape upgrades, including the introduction of street plantings, garden beds, and footpath treatments. Shared pedestrian and traffic zones will also be created in core retail and commercial areas, with a focus on improving pedestrian amenity and safety

• Street furniture and visitor amenities, such as bike racks, bollards, rubbish and recycling bins, bench seats, dog waste facilities, drink fountains, phone charging stations, picnic tables, information pillars and barbecues

• Expanded outdoor dining areas, and new decked areas for viewing and picnicking

• Improved sustainability outcomes as a core component of streetscape designs, including use of climate resilient indigenous plant species and locally manufactured materials, and incorporation of Water Sensitive Urban Design features (such as rain gardens)

• Changes in road and intersection configurations to improve traffic flow through the town and enhance accessibility and safety of the town’s primary thoroughfares for pedestrians. Works will also be undertaken to improve the arrival experience of visitors to the town

• Parking solutions to manage peak period parking, including an increase in parking spaces to meet local and visitor demand, and provision of additional accessible parking at priority locations

• Street lighting to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the night-time character of the town

• Integrated artwork that captures the character and vision of Port Campbell

• The design will also allow electric car charging stations and e-bike charging stations to be added to the town centre in the future.